Generally acknowledged as the most lavish and artistically accomplished fencing book ever produced, Thibault's "Academy of the Sword" was sponsored by King Louis XIII of France and other European rulers. Its elaborate illustrations, including forty-six double-page plates, are signed by sixteen Flemish engravers. The book is devoted to the Spanish school of fencing as established by Geronimo de Carrança and Luis Pacheco de Navarez. Thibault died shortly before its publication, not having completed the projected second part, which was to have dealt with equestrian combat.

Illustrated: pl. 12, defensive postures for a duel involving rapiers used in the Spanish style